Cladding is the wooden covering or finishing of walls, ceilings or structural components. It encompasses everything from wall panelling and wainscoting to the finishing of frames, service ducts and roof edges. Cladding serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose: it conceals the rough construction and gives a space a finished appearance.
Types of cladding
| Type | Description | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Tongue-and-groove boards | Narrow boards with a tongue-and-groove joint | Walls, ceilings |
| Wainscoting | Panelling to half wall height | Hallways, corridors, classic interiors |
| Lap siding | Overlapping boards (exterior) | Facade cladding |
| Plywood/MDF panels | Flat boards as wall finishing | Modern interiors, workshops |
| Trim | Finishing strips around frames, pipes, corners | Everywhere |
Cladding in DIY projects
Ceiling boarding
A popular project for a warm, rustic ceiling:
1. Battens (30×50 mm) on the existing ceiling, at 40-60 cm centres
2. Optionally insulation between the battens
3. Tongue-and-groove boards nailed or screwed to the battens
4. Blind-fix through the tongue
Wall cladding
Wooden wall cladding in a garden building, shed or workshop:
1. Battens on the wall
2. Insulation (optional)
3. Vapour barrier (for insulated walls)
4. Tongue-and-groove boards or plywood on the battens
Frame trim
After fitting a frame:
1. Fit the interior window sill
2. Screw or glue finishing strips around the frame
3. Seal joints with caulk
4. Paint or varnish
Materials
| Material | Use | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Spruce boards | Ceiling, wall (painted or varnished) | Painting |
| Pine boards | Ceiling, wall (natural or stained) | Varnishing/staining |
| MDF | Wainscoting, mouldings | Painting |
| Plywood | Wall panels, worktops | Varnishing or oiling |
Related terms
- Battens
- Tongue and groove
- Lap siding
- Frame